Resistance in the Genus Spodoptera: Key Insect Detoxification Genes

Simple Summary The moth larvae are among the most damaging pest species on crops worldwide. In this review, we focus on the genus Spodoptera, which can feed on many crops such as rice, cotton or corn. The massive use of insecticides to control these insects has led to the development of resistance. Here, we aim to compare the resistance mechanisms of four species (Spodoptera exigua, Spodoptera frugiperda, Spodoptera littoralis and Spodoptera litura) and highlight the role of enzymes and transporters in resistance to help us understand the molecular basis of their origin. The genus Spodoptera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) includes species that are among the most important crop pests in the world. These polyphagous species are able to feed on many plants, including corn, rice and cotton. In addition to their ability to adapt to toxic compounds produced by plants, they have developed resistance to the chemical insecticides used for their control. One of the main mechanisms developed by insects to become resistant involves detoxification enzymes. In this review, we illustrate some examples of the role of major families of detoxification enzymes such as cytochromes P450, carboxyl/cholinesterases, glutathione S-transferases (GST) and transporters such as ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters in insecticide resistance. We compare available data for four species, Spodoptera exigua, S. frugiperda, S. littoralis and S. litura. Molecular mechanisms underlying the involvement of these genes in resistance will be described, including the duplication of the CYP9A cluster, over-expression of GST epsilon or point mutations in acetylcholinesterase and ABCC2. This review is not intended to be exhaustive but to highlight the key roles of certain genes.

Automated summary

Moth larvae, especially of the genus Spodoptera, are highly damaging pests to crops worldwide, with a focus on their resistance mechanisms to insecticides. Enzymes and transporters play a key role in their resistance, with the review comparing four species and highlighting specific genes involved in resistance mechanisms.